What is Continued Dispensing?
Continued Dispensing is the provision of an eligible medicine by an approved pharmacist in cases of immediate need, when the PBS prescriber is inaccessible or cannot provide an electronic or owing prescription. This allows community pharmacists to supply the PBS maximum quantity of the medicine at the standard PBS price, under specific circumstances. The person must have previously received the medicine based on a PBS prescription, and Continued Dispensing can occur once within a 12-month period.
Recent Changes
As of July 1, 2022, Continued Dispensing Arrangements have expanded to include additional medicine groups recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). These medicines primarily address chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV treatment. The Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment Program applies to medicines supplied under Continued Dispensing for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals from July 1, 2022. (1)
To aid those affected by the Far North Queensland flooding disaster, a Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure was implemented from December 22, 2023, until March 1, 2024. This measure allows access to a broader range of PBS medicines compared to regular Continued Dispensing arrangements, covering most medicines on the General Schedule of the PBS. (1)
Pharmacists' Responsibilities
Continued Dispensing serves as a supplement, not a replacement, to emergency supply options like "owing prescriptions" and in-person or digital consultations.
Before dispensing under Continued Dispensing arrangements, pharmacists must ensure that:
the person has an immediate need for the medicine;
the usual prescriber is unable to be contacted and/or is unable to provide an e-prescription or owing prescription;
the medicine is eligible for supply under the arrangements (including under relevant state/territory legislation);
the person has been supplied the medicine in the last three months and their condition is stable;
the medicine has not been supplied under Continued Dispensing arrangements to the person by any pharmacy within the 12 months before the requested supply; and
it is safe and appropriate for the person to obtain the medicine. (1)
Consent and Documentation
The individual must sign a consent declaration acknowledging receipt of medication under Continued Dispensing.
Your pharmacy dispensing software generates a Modified Repeat Authorisation Form which you can then use to document Continued Dispensing details and the person's signature. Additionally, a Consumer Declaration and Prescriber Notification Form is generated to confirm the patient's understanding and notify the most recent PBS prescriber.
For documentation, the pharmacist must record information supporting the decision to supply the pharmaceutical benefit. A statement, including details about the patient's eligibility under Continued Dispensing, the prescriber's unavailability, the patient's recent supply, and their stable condition, must be prepared and sent to the PBS prescriber in a timely manner. (1)
Can I make a PBS claim for Continued Dispensing without a prescription?
Yes. The patient or prescriber do not need to provide a PBS prescription before you can make my PBS claim. However, you should notify the patient’s most recent PBS prescriber, or their practice, in writing that a Continued Dispensing supply has been given to the person. (1)
Supplying Medicines
Under Continued Dispensing, the medicines currently available are predominantly for the management of chronic disease, such as asthma and other lung conditions, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Oral contraceptives and medicines for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may also be supplied.
Temporary additions to these arrangements may be implemented, in times of emergencies, such as a pandemic or natural disaster, and pharmacists are advised to refer to the PBS website for the latest updates on included medicines and affected regions. (1)
Quantity and Duration
Pharmacists can supply a 60-day quantity under Continued Dispensing if the patient's previous prescription was for that duration. The prescribed quantity or the PBS maximum is the limit. (1)
Addressing Challenges
If Continued Dispensing claims are rejected, adherence to legislative requirements and guidelines is essential. Support is available through pharmacy dispensing software advice or by contacting the PBS general enquiries line.
In instances where patients lack Medicare or health care cards, contacting the PBS general enquiries line for assistance is recommended. (1)
Resources
Care AGD of H and A. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) | Continued Dispensing Arrangements [Internet]. www.pbs.gov.au. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; Available from: https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/general/continued-dispensing
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